An Imperial researcher discusses the effects of fires on skyscrapers

Making skyscrapers safer by understanding phenomena such as 'travelling fires' are discussed by an Imperial researcher in an. Dr Guillermo Rein , from Imperial's Department of Mechanical Engineering, is a world-leading expert on the combustion of solid fuels in fires. The aim of his work is to reduce the impact of accidental fires and to protect people, their property, and the environment. Dr Rein talks to Colin Smith about a modelling method that he has developed over the years, which takes into account the effects of fires in large open-planned spaces, synonymous with today's modern architecture. Here he describes phenomena such as 'travelling fires' and 'flame flapping' and their effects on burning buildings. Why do we study building fires?. Engineers carry out sophisticated calculations during the design phase to ensure that buildings are able to withstand the effects of fires.